VRJournal is a leading technology media property dedicated to covering the emerging and rapidly evolving world of virtual reality, reviewing new solutions, giving reliable and actionable tips and breaking important technology news.

There’s something in the air — or maybe the books at small businesses — that’s leading to a renewed sense of optimism.

In fact, according to just released survey data from Clutch, a well known B2B ratings and reviews firm, 59 percent of small business owners expect their revenue to grow in 2017. Those rosy expectations for future revenue are leading 49 percent of small business owners to anticipate spending more on marketing and advertising.

The Clutch “2017 Small Business Digital Marketing Survey” queried 350 small business owners and managers.

“Plans to invest more in digital marketing came after reports of modest investment in 2016,” notes the report summary shared with VRJournal. “More than half of respondents (68 percent) reported spending less than $100,000 on marketing in 2016, with 41 percent spending less than $10,000.”

And where will those small business owners spend their advertising dollars? Of course, they’re looking at digital marketing options. The survey suggests they are “most eager to increase investment in paid social media (58 percent), a website (56 percent), email marketing (39 percent), and SEO (35 percent) in 2017.”

Experts interviewed pointed to SEO strategies that prioritize local searches as a key trend to watch.

What’s more futuristic is the use of augmented reality and virtual reality for small business marketing. But even owners of small businesses see the growing trend in that direction.

“Although high costs may limit the accessibility of AR and VR in 2017, emphasis on low cost video options such as Instagram stories provide small businesses with the opportunity to explore interactive digital marketing strategies,” notes the survey report.

VRJournal is a leading technology media property dedicated to covering the emerging and rapidly evolving world of virtual reality, reviewing new solutions, giving reliable and actionable tips and breaking important technology news.